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One of the world's most highly-rated strikers, Aguero draws obvious comparisons with his former father-in-law Diego Maradona due to his nimble footwork, dribbling skills and clinical finishing.

While he played a limited role at the 2010 World Cup and the 2011 Copa America, Aguero finally appears to have made himself first choice for Argentina under Alejandro Sabella and certainly has the match-winning potential to help La Albiceleste reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1990.

At the age of nine Aguero joined Independiente, the team he always supported, after showing great promise in several small-town teams such as Loma Alegre and Los Primos. A few years later, but much earlier than expected, he would fulfil another dream: making his debut in the top division.

He was 15 years, one month and three days old when Oscar Ruggeri, by then Independiente's coach, sent him on as a replacement for Emanuel Rivas with 21 minutes left in a game against San Lorenzo. Thus, Aguero broke Maradona's record and became the youngest footballer to play an official game in the Argentine top division. Even though seven months would go by before he would start a game with the team, Aguero had already showed great promise and appeared to be an Argentine football icon in the making.

By 2005, the offers from Europe started arriving and he was transferred to Atletico Madrid for around 23 million euros. Aguero proved his class with consistent displays at Atletico and his partnership with Uruguay's Diego Forlan was dynamite for the capital city club, with his pace, power and finishing ability making him a real handful for any defender.

However, his love affair with the club came to an end in June 2011 when he asked for a transfer and joined the big spending Manchester City project the following month for a fee of around 39 million pounds. Aguero did not disappoint as he came off the bench to make his Premier League debut against Swansea, scoring twice and assisting another. It certainly wasn't the shabbiest of introductions from the Argentine and Aguero would go on to score 30 goals in all competitions for City in his maiden campaign.

Of all the strikes, however, there was none more important than his 94th-minute goal against QPR on the final day of the season, which clinched Manchester City their first top-flight title in 44 years and immortalised the Argentine in the club's history. He has since established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in Premier League history, scoring 52 goals in 87 league matches during his first three seasons.

A recurrence of hamstring injuries limited his appearances in the 2013-14 season and it is no surprise that Manchester City possess a better record when he is available. However, Kun still provided a devastating impact for Manuel Pellegrini's side, playing an influential role in their League Cup and Premier League triumphs.

With a front line consisting of Aguero, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina have an embarrassment of riches in attack, which could prove decisive if La Albiceleste are to win the WorldCup. With group games against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria, Aguero looks an appealing bet to finish as one of the top scorers in the tournament. Strengths: His ball control and powerful bursts make him almost unstoppable in the box. A fine finisher went presented with a chance, he has a capacity to create in the most difficult circumstances.

Weaknesses: He sometimes lacks focus and can be selfish with the ball. Has endured his fair share of injury problems, too.

Career high: Winning the 2012 Premier League title for Manchester City with his dramatic stoppage-time goal.

Career low: Except on isolated occasions, he has not yet been able to demonstrate his full potential with the national team.

Style: Direct, strong, cool-headed, a bull of a striker.

Quotes: ''Every era has its best soccer player and hopefully Aguero is the best of this. When he has the ball at his feet there is the feeling that something will happen, and always good. Does that sound like anyone familiar?'' Atletico president Enrique Cerezo hints at comparison between Aguero and Maradona, October 2008.

Trivia: A cumbia band called Los Leales recorded a song with Sergio Aguero as the lead singer. The song was written in his honour and is called "El Kun Aguero".